Keeping the dance community alive: part II

One way or another, a dance community has to attract beginners or it will die. Sometimes the dance is simply so compelling that new people see it and just want to do it. Argentine Tango is a good example of this. In my opinion, it is the most difficult of all partner dances. Hard to learn and hard to retain, it requires a huge time commitment in order to do it well enough to enjoy it. The community is not welcoming of beginners to say the least. Beginners are expected to prove themselves by their continued work before they are acknowledged by the experienced dancers. Yet they keep coming because the dance itself is so exciting. Sometimes a similar dance can woo dancers away from an established dance. West Coast Swing was once hugely popular. The rise of Lindy Hop didn't kill West Coast Swing, but the community shrank considerably as many dancers decided that Lindy was a whole lot more fun. Lindy became so popular the community became complacent and nearly lost it's beginner momentum a few years ago when beginner classes were floundering all over the bay area. We can thank Hep Jen's move from Seattle to the Bay Area for rescuing our dwindling beginner appeal by offering free classes at Lindy in the Park to curious passerbys, an idea that worked miracles to keep the dance alive and thriving. Cudos to Hep Jen with her friendly and welcoming energy!